Karachi: Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Chairman BMP-Progressive and Senior Vice President of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), has strongly criticized Gerry’s Dnata for imposing an ad-hoc handling charge of Rs50 per kilogram (excluding taxes) on export cargo, calling the move unfair, unilateral, and damaging to Pakistan’s already strained export sector.
In a statement, Magoon highlighted that exporters are already facing mounting challenges, including rising business costs, record-high international freight rates, and a difficult global trade environment. He warned that the sudden additional charge would directly erode the competitiveness of Pakistani goods in international markets.
He further noted that industry bodies such as the Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA) and the Air Cargo Agents Association of Pakistan (ACAAP) have also voiced serious concerns over the decision. With a significant portion of air cargo handling routed through Gerry’s Dnata facilities, exporters are left with limited alternatives, forcing them to absorb the added cost.
Magoon emphasized that time-sensitive exports, which rely heavily on air freight, would be particularly affected. He cautioned that such abrupt and unilateral charges could discourage exporters and undermine the government’s broader efforts to boost exports.
Urging immediate intervention, he called on the federal government and relevant authorities to ensure that cargo handling charges remain fair, transparent, and reasonable. He specifically appealed to Federal Minister for Aviation and Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif to review the matter and safeguard exporters’ interests.
He also urged regulatory oversight by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) to prevent policies that impose undue financial burdens on exporters.
Reaffirming the business community’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s export growth agenda, Magoon stressed that stable, predictable, and rational logistics costs are essential for maintaining competitiveness in global markets.
